Terrace, Shadow, and Cliff Lakes Trail

Overview

Short on miles, big on scenery. This 4.0-mile out-and-back visits three photogenic cirque lakes tucked beneath the north side of Reading Peak. Expect clear water, mirrored reflections, and a surprising amount of shade as you weave through forest, meadows, and shoreline. Plan on about 3 hours if you linger at the lakes; fast walkers who turn around earlier often finish in 1.5–2 hours.

Route and Landmarks

Start at the signed Terrace Lake turnout on the park highway (about 9 miles from the Southwest Entrance). The trail drops immediately. At 0.2 miles, a signed junction splits left to Hat Lake and right to the lakes—go right. One-way distances are roughly 0.5 mile to Terrace, 0.8 mile to Shadow, and 2.0 miles to Cliff. You’ll skirt Terrace and Shadow along the shore, then cross open woods and meadows, over a low moraine, to reach emerald-toned Cliff Lake.

Difficulty and What to Expect

This hike hikes easy to hard—in reverse. You descend first, then pay it back. Expect about 300 feet down to Terrace, 350 feet to Shadow, and 650 feet to Cliff, with the same climb returning to the highway. The tread is natural and occasionally rocky/rooty, with some short steep pitches. Signage is average and a few sections can feel confusing; keeping an eye on junctions helps.

Scenery, Geology, and Season

Each lake has its own personality—Terrace’s grass-lined shore, Shadow’s glassy reflections, and Cliff’s striking green hues beneath rocky slopes. The basins are glacial cirques, and that low rise near Cliff is a moraine. Wildflowers often color the meadows in late summer, and you may spot tiny fish in the water. At ~8,000 feet on north-facing slopes, snow can linger later here than elsewhere in the park; early season may include snow patches.

Best Time to Hike

Late summer into early fall typically offers the driest tread, fewer mosquitoes, and calmer water for reflections—mornings are best for mirrorlike surfaces. Shoulder seasons can be gorgeous but bring lingering snow and slick sections. Weekdays and early starts help with both solitude and parking.

Tips

• Start early for cooler temps and easier shoulder parking at the small turnout.
• Save gas for the finish—the climb out is real.
• Trekking poles help on the steep, rocky bits; sturdy traction is handy if snow lingers.
• Expect cold water year-round; wading is refreshing but brief.
• No pets on park trails.

A Nearby Alternative

If you want a bigger day on similar scenery, a longer approach via Summit Lake also reaches Shadow/Cliff (different trailhead and mileage), but the classic three-lake outing from the highway turnout is the most direct.